Insulating and air-conditioned building construction



Nov. 2, 1943. G. B. QUATMAN 2,333,556

INSULATING AND AIR CONDITIONED BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed Feb. 10, 1941 YINVENTOR GEORGE 5. Ql/ATM/I/Y.

' A TTORNE Y5.

BY F

Patented Nov. 2, 1943 UNITED PATENT" GFFlC-E 1 INSULATINGYAND AIR-CONDITIONED" LBUILDINGOONSTRUCTION (.ieorge' BaQuatman, Lima, Ohio xAnplicat-ion FebruarylO, 1941,'-Serial No. 378,274

'6 Claims.

This invention-appertains to .theart of building construction and more particularly to'the insulating :and airconditioningof rooms 101' buildings.

Oneof theundesirable conditions often encountered in connection with building structures involves the tendency of the interior walls to sweat or become damp on account of the-condensation of moisture thereon as-a result of adifferential in temperature between: the air outside and the air inside of the-room or-other enclosure. Whenever the temperature of the walls orinterior surfaces of a room or building is substantiallyhigher or lower than the temperature. of

the air brought in contact therewith; the moisture in such air will be'caused. to-condense and be deposited on such interior surfaces.

The condition of sweating interior walls to which many building constructions are-subject is particularly undesirable in connection with buildings designed to house-delicate mechanical equipment, subject to be adversely affected by the presence of moisture-such for instance, as buildings employed as telephone exchanges wherein delicate mechanical and electrical equipment must of necessity bekept continuouslyin most efiicient working order.

Various methods of dealing with'the problem of preventing'condensationof moisture on the interior-walls of building structures have been heretofore proposed, involving the conditioning of the air introduced-to the interior of such building structures by mechanical means, or under the control of ahuman agency.- :Itis, however, one of the purposes ot-the present invention to *deal with this' problemiin connection with unattended telephone exchanges and to this end a solution-of the problem contemplating merely simple-and readil adaptable changes in common building --practice--and not requiring the interposition of additional mechanical equipment or any human agency has been found to be highly desirable.

-With the foregoingin view the objects of the invention may be briefly summar-i-zed=asfo1lows:

It is a primaryobject of the inventiontmprovide abuilding construction designed tosprevent the sweating ofor the condensation-of moisture upon the interiorsurfaces of the room orbuilding.

Another principal object of-the invention isito providea building construction designed to equalize the temperature of the interionsurfaces of ;a room or'building' and th'e temperature-of :the: air brought-into contact therewith.

A further principal object of the invention .is

to provide a building "construction designed to pre-conditionthe air brought into contact with the-.interiorsurfaces thereof-so-that moisture in such air will not be causedto condense uponicontact with such interiorsurfaces.

Still-another principalobject of the invention is. tozprovide-a" building construction which will take :advantageof natural phenomena for the accomplishment of the foregoing objects'withoui the interposition of mechanical refrigeration. or heating means;

Another object of the invention is toprovide a building construction adapted to meet the requirements of varying conditions of different tern peraturexranges.

Another object of'the invention is to provide a wall construction designed'to function both in an; insulating and air conditioning capacity.

Another'object-ofithe invention is to provide a Wall-construction designed to operate under certain conditions 80181373111211. insulating capacity, andunder othergcon'ditions-both in an insulating and air conditioning capacity.

Aother objectof the invention is to provide a building construction including a wallconstruction' designed to .function alternatively either solelyiman insulating capacity or'bo-th in an insulatingtand air conditioning capacity under the control of, and'to satisfyjthe requirements of, varying temperature conditions.

,In carrying ,my invention into practice, the same'contemplates; in general, the provision of a building construction comprising spaced enclosing-wallsi soconstructed asto provide a continuous passagether'ebetween of considerable extent, means enabling communication between said passage and the atmosphere and between said passage and the interior of the enclosure, means forlproduoing a circulation of air from the outside through "said passage :between said'walls, through said-room or enclosure'and thence to the outside; and:meansfor closing off communication between thevpassage and the outside, between'the passage and theinterior of the room or enclosure,and :between the interior of the enclosure and 'the'outside, whereby the double wall constructionwill operate solely in an insulatingccapacity. The last means is preferably operableeautomatically by temperature controlled meansctomeet the; requirements of different conditions :existing :under' varying rangesof temperature, whereby 'the' double walled construction may berxcausedeto function solelyin an insulating capacity or alternatively both in an insulating and .air. conditioning capacity.

Other objects, advantages and features of novelty will appear more fully as the description of the invention progresses in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view, partially in section, showing a room or building embodying the invention.

Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view of the room or building shown in Figure l, the section being taken on the line 22 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view of the room or building shown in Figure 1, the section being taken on the line 33 of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a diagrammatic view showing the inter-relation between the various closures, the temperature controlled means for operating the same, and the source of power therefor.

Referring now to the drawing-for a detailed description of the invention, the letter A generally designates a room or building comprising an outer enclosure generally designated by the letter B and an inner room or enclosure generally designated by the letter C. The building A is constructed upon a foundation D. The outer enclosure B includes the front wall I, rear wall 2, side walls 3 and 4, floor 5, and roof 6. Communication from the outside to the interior of the room C is afforded through a doorway normally closed by a door 1,

The inner enclosure C includes the front wall 8, rear wall 9, side walls It) and 'l I, and floor 5. It will be noted that the fioor5 is provided with cylindrical passages 5a extending longitudinally therethrough from one end to the other.

The space between the inner enclosure C and outer enclosure B affords a passage E extending substantially entirely around the four walls 8, 9, l and H of the inner enclosure C, and together with the passages a through the floor 5, which passages at either end are in communication with the passage E, provides an insulating air space upon substantially five sides of the inner enclosure C.

The rear wall 2 'of the outer enclosure B is provided with an opening l2in communication with the outside, and the front wall 8 of the inner enclosure C is' provided with openings I3 affording communication between the passage E and the interior of the inner enclosure C. An opening I4 is provided in the roof 6 affording communication between the interior of the enclosure C and the outside, through the ventilator l5 provided on the roof 6 over the opening I4. The ventilator l5is of a'common type, provided with a swiveling elbow l5a which is caused to turn about its mounting by variation in the direction of movement of atmospheric air currents acting upon the wind vane l5b.

Each of the openings l2, l3 and I4 are provided with motor-operated closures f a common type, comprising louvers I6 or a damper 26 mounted for pivotal movement adjacent the respective openings and adapted to be moved to open and closed positions by means of linkage I1, associated'with bell cranks 18, connected with the operating shafts i9 of the respective electric motors 20 provided for the operation of each of the closures. As shown, the closure for the opening l4 consists of apivoted damper 26, while the closures for the openings l2 and I3 each comprise a plurality of louvers l6 connected for simultaneous operation by linkage 2|.

The electric motors 20 for operating the closures for the various openings I2, l3 and M are connected to a suitable source of current throu h the three wires 22, 23 and 24 through a suitable temperature controlled means, such as the thermostat 25, and a low voltage current source such as the transformer 21. The thermostat 2-5 will preferably be located within the room or inner enclosure C so that the operation of the closures l2, l3 and I4 will be controlled by variations of temperature within the said room or inner enclosure C.

In the use of my invention, it is to be noted that during the milder seasons of the year, particularly when the temperature outside of the building is above 32 F., it is desired to provide a circulation of air from the outside through the passage E, through the room C, and thence to the outside, as a result of which circulation any tendency of moisture to condense out of the air in the "room 0 and be deposited upon the interior surfaces thereof will be substantially eliminated.

When, however, the temperature inside the room C becomes lower than 32 F., no condensaof moisture in the air within said room can take place so that there will be no deposit of moisture on the interior walls of the room C when the temperature in the room is below 32 F. Under such condition, when the temperature inside of the room C is below 32 F., since no condensation of moisture can take place therein, there is no need for the circulation of air from the outside through the passage E, through the room C, and thence to the outside. In such event, therefore, it will be desirable to cut off the aforesaid circulation and avail of the double wall construction of my invention to provide a sealed air space insulating the interior of the room or enclosure C from the outside.

Having theforegoing in mind, the operation of my invention may be more particularly described as follows: The thermostat 25, located within the room C, will be set to operate the motors 20 when the temperature in the room C rises above, or descends to, 32 'F., to open and close respectively the closures for the openings. l2, l3 and l4. 7

Assuming that the temperature within the room C is above 32 F., the louvers [6 will be in open position to provide communication between the outside of the building and the passage E through the opening l2,,between the passage E and the interior of the room C through the openings [3, and between the interior of the room'C and the outside of the building through the opening l4 .in the roof 6.

Under such condition, movement of the air outside of the'buildin-g -causes a vacuum to be created in the Ventilator l5, resulting in withdrawal of air from the room C through the opening l4 in theroof 6 to the outside. This results in circulation of air from the outside through the opening I2, through the passage E, through the openings [3, through the room C, and thence through the opening M in the roof 6 and through the ventilator l5 to the outside, as indicated by the arrows-in Figures 1 and 2 I r 3 Assuming acondition in which there is initially a sufiicient differential; between the temperature of the interior surfaces of the Walls 8, 9, l0 and I I and the temperature of the air coming into contact with .said surfaces, which would otherwise cause condensation of moisture from such air upon said surfaces, the starting of the circulation just above described isdesigned to substantially eliminate any suchcondensation of moisture upon, or sweating of, the interior surfaces of the said walls 8', 9, I and II-. The explanation of this-result is'believed to be aboutasfollows: Thetemperature of the outside air, introduced to the passage-Ethrough the opening I2,

will affect and be affected by the temperature of the walls 8, 9, I0 and I I of the enclosure C while the air is-passing through the passage E, so that when it enters the interior of the room C through the openings I3, its temperature will more nearly enclosure C is lower than the temperature of the air outside of the building and the differential in temperature is such that if the outside air were brought immediately in contact with-the interior surfacesof the walls 8, 9, I0 and I I, the moisture in such air would be caused to condense and'be deposited upon the inner surfaces of the walls 8, 9, I Band II. The outside air, however, instead of being brought immediately into contact'with the inner surfaces of the walls 8, I6 and I i is o so that by the time this outside air arrives at the openings I3, and enters the room C, its temperature will have been somewhat reduced and the temperature of the walls 8, Q, at and M will have been somewhat raised, so thatthe respective temperatures of the air and of the Walls will tend to become equalized.

Furthermore, of course, assuming there is asufiicient differential between the temperature of the outside airand the temperature of the walls 8, 9, I0 and I I, as the outside air is caused to pass along the passage E, any tendency of the moisture therein to be condensed as a result of contact with the colder walls 8, 9, I ll and I! will cause this moisture to become deposited upon the outer surfaces of said walls, so that when this outside r,

air enters the room C a certain amount ofmoisture will have been removed therefrom which would otherwise be caused to bedeposited upon the interior surfaces-of the walls 8, 9, I9 and M hadit not been removed prior to entrance of the air into the room C.

Still assuming the condition of the example given, and assuming that when the circulation was started moisture from the outside air was caused to be depositedupon the-outer surfaces of the walls 8, 9, Ill and II, as the circulation continues and the temperature of said walls israised, it may rise sufficiently above the condensation point, or dew point, to become dissipated as a result of continued circulation of the outside air through the passage E by evaporation.

The foregoing description and explanation has reference to the operation of the invention under a condition when the temperature in the room C is above 32 F., so that the respective closures at the openings I2, I3 and H! are open to permit the circulation of air from the outside through the room C. Now when the temperature in the room C descends to 32 F., since no moisture can condense in the room C under such condition,

described.

Asabove mentioned, the thermostat control'25" is set to operate the motors 20when the temperature in the room C descends to, or rises to, 32 F.

Assuming, therefore, the condition under which the closures at the openings I2, I3 and I 4 are open, and the temperature in the room C lowers to 32 the thermostat 25 will'at such time initiate operation of the motors 2-0 to cause the louvers I6 at the openings I2 and I 3, and the damper 26 at the opening I4,. to be moved to closed position, thereby sealing the air in the passage E and closing off communication between the interior of the room C and the outside through the opening I4. The double wall construction of the-invention now functions solely in an insulating capacity providing a sealed air space substantially around five sides of the inner enclosure or room C, protecting the latter from extereme drops in temperature in the colder seasons of the year so as to require only a small application of heat in the room'C, ifany.

The openings I2, I3 and I4, being closed under the condition just described, whenever the temperature in the room C rises to 32 F., the thermostat 25 will initiate operation of the motors 2f! causing the louvers I6 at the opening I2 and I3, and the damper26 at the opening I4, to be moved to open position enabling the circulation of air from the outside through the room C, as previously described, so long as the temperature in F otherwise occur; and also the building construction of my invention is operative automatically under the control of temperature conditions to function in an insulating capacity with reference to the room C when the temperature conditions.

therein are such that condensation of moisture on. theinterior walls thereof would not take place. Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patentof the United States is:

1. In a buildinglconstruction of the class dosscribed, in combination, a room or enclosure. a

second enclosure surrounding the first and defining a closed passage extending around said room, said second enclosure having an opening affording communication from the space between said enclosures to the outside of the second enclosure, said first enclosure having an opening affording communication fromthe space between said enclosures to the interior of said first enclosure, a means of communication from the interior of the first enclosure direct to the outside of the second enclosure, and means for causing outside air to be introduced into the space between said enclosures through'the first opening and to circulate through said space to the interior of said first enclosure through said second opening, thence from the interior of said first enclosure to the outside through said means of communication, combined with closures for said openings and said means of communication, and

there isno longer' any need for the circulation of air from the outside through-the'roomC asabove temperature controlled means for operating said closures to open and close the same in accordance with variations in temperature within said first enclosure, whereby when thetemperature in the latter rises above a pre-determined point said closures will be operated to open the same enabling operation of said first means and when the temperature in the first enclosure descends to said predetermined point said closures will be operated to close the same to seal the air in the space between said enclosures to thereby provide an insulating air space surrounding said first enclosure.

2. In a building construction of the class described, in combination, an enclosure comprising spaced inner and outer walls, a floor, and a roof, a conduit-leading from the interior of said room direct to the outside of the building, means for Withdrawing air from the interior of said enclosure through said conduit, said outer wall having an opening affording communication from the space between said walls to the outside, said inner wall having an opening affording communication from the space between said walls to the interior of said enclosure, the space between said walls afiording a continous passage for air between the openings in the inner. and outer walls, closures for each of said openings operable alternately to open the same to afford continuous passage of air from the outside through the space between said walls through the interior of said enclosure, thence through said conduit to the outside and to close said openings to substantially prevent passage of air from or to the interior of said enclosure, and to substantially seal the air in the space between the walls when the openings are closed, combined with temperature controlled means operable in accordance with variations in temperature within the interior of said enclosure to open and close said closures.

3. In a building construction of the class described, in combination, a room or enclosure, an enclosed passage (spaced walls) extending around the outside of said room and communicating with the interior of the room and with the outsideof the building, closures at the points of communication of the passage with the interior of the room and with the outside of the building, said closures being operable, when closed, to seal said passage, thereby preventing movement of air therefrom, a conduit leading from the interior of said room direct to the outside of the building, and means operable when said closures are open for inducing circulation of air from the outside of the building through said passage through the interior of the room, thence through said conduit to the outside of the building, and temperature controlled means for operating said closures to open and close the same in accordance with variations in temperature within said room.

4. In a building construction of the class described, in combination, a room or enclosure, an enclosed passage (spaced walls) extending around the outside of said room and communicating with the interior of the room and with the outside of the building, closures at the points of communication of the passage with the interior of the room and with the outside of the building, said closures being operable, when closed, to seal said passage, thereby preventing movement of air therefrom, a conduit leading from the interior of said room direct to the outside of the building, and means operable when said closures are open for inducing circulation of air from the outside of the building through said passage through the interior of the room, thence through said conduit to the outside of the building, and temperature controlled means operable to open and close said closures.

5. In a building construction of the class described, in combination, a room or enclosure, an enclosed passage (spaced walls) extending around the outside of said room and communicating with the interior of the room and with the outside of the building, closures at the points of communication of the passage with the interior of the room and with the outside of the building, said closures being operable, when closed, to seal said passage, thereby preventing movement of air therefrom, a conduit leading from the interior of said room direct to the outside of the building, a closure for said conduit, and means operable when said closures are open for inducing circulation of air from the outside of the building through said passage through the interior of the room thence through said conduit to the outside of the building, and temperature controlled means for operating said closures to open and close the same in accordance with variations of temperature within said room.

6. In a building construction of the class described, in combination, a room or enclosure defined by spaced inner and outer walls, the spaced walls affording a closed passage extending substantially entirely around said room, said passage communicating with the interior of said room and with the outside of said building and affording contact of air in said passage with substantially the entire area of said inner walls of said room, a conduit leading from the interior of said room direct to the outside of the building, closures at the points of communication of said passage with the interior of the room and with the outside of the building, said closures being operable when closed to seal said passage thereby preventing movement of air therefrom, and means operable when said closures are open for inducing circulation of airfrom the outside of said building through said passage through the interior of the room thence through said conduit to the outside of the building, combined with temperature controlled means for operating said closures to open and close the same in accordance with variations in temperature within said room.

GEORGE E. QUATMAN. 

